HOLYOKE – Joan Marie Sullivan, 77, a beloved former Sister of Saint Joseph of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Saturday, February 11, 2017. She entered into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of her dear cousin, Carolyn. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on September 1, 1939, the beloved daughter of the late Vincent J. and Reita V. (Leslie) Sullivan. She was raised in Boston and was a graduate of Holy Cross Cathedral High School in Boston. She furthered her education and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and in Education from the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee. She entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Springfield in 1957, remaining with them for over 25 years while teaching in Catholic schools of the Springfield Diocese. She lived in the Springfield area for several years and later in Marlborough, MA for ten years, returning to Springfield in 1982. She moved to the Mont Marie Senior Residence in Holyoke in 2008. Joan volunteered her time at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield. She was a member and clerical aide to the Golden Age Club of Springfield. Above all, Joan enjoyed spending time with her family and her many friends. In addition to her many Sisters in community, she leaves her many cousins including her dear cousin and caregiver, Carolyn J. Anderson of Johnston, RI and her family; and her many good friends. A visiting hour will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. which will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Saint Joseph Chapel at Mont Marie, 36 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Her burial will follow the Mass at Mont Marie Cemetery on Lower Westfield Road in Holyoke. Her funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Springfield, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit:www.stpierrephaneuf.com
